Portugal CTT tracking

What is Portugal CTT?

Portugal CTT, officially named CTT Correios de Portugal, is the national postal operator of Portugal. Founded in 1520 under the reign of King Manuel I, it is one of the oldest postal services in the world and the oldest company still operating in Portugal. Over more than five centuries of existence, Portugal CTT has played a central role in the country's communications, ensuring the delivery of mail and parcels throughout the entire Portuguese territory, from major metropolitan areas like Lisbon and Porto to the most remote regions of the Azores and Madeira.

The acronym CTT comes from the former name Correios, Telégrafos e Telefones, a legacy from an era when the postal operator also managed the country's telegraph and telephone services. This historical configuration lasted until 1992, when telecommunications activities were separated to form Portugal Telecom. Since then, CTT has focused exclusively on its core postal and logistics business, while diversifying into new sectors such as financial services.

Initially a state administration, Portugal CTT underwent a major transformation in the early 2010s. The company was listed on Euronext Lisbon in 2013, then completely privatized in 2014 with the sale of the last shares held by the Portuguese state. This complete privatization makes CTT one of the rare European historic postal operators to be entirely owned by private shareholders, alongside Royal Mail in the United Kingdom. Despite this private status, the company retains the universal postal service concession in Portugal, guaranteeing mail distribution across the entire national territory.

• Date of creation: 1520, under the reign of King Manuel I of Portugal, making CTT one of the oldest postal services in the world
• Official name: CTT Correios de Portugal S.A., a publicly listed company
• Headquarters: Lisbon, Portugal
• Workforce: Nearly 14,000 employees distributed between Portugal and Spain
• Annual revenue: Over one billion euros, with sustained growth driven by e-commerce
• Stock listing: Euronext Lisbon under the symbol CTT

Portugal CTT's market positioning is based on the combination of a unique territorial network in Portugal and a diversified range of services. The company is organized into four main business segments: traditional mail, express and parcels, financial services including Banco CTT, and logistics. This strategic diversification allows the group to offset the structural decline in traditional mail volumes through dynamic growth in the e-commerce segment and banking services. The Express and Parcels segment now represents nearly 45% of the group's total revenues, demonstrating the successful transformation of the historic postal operator toward online commerce logistics.

Which countries does Portugal CTT deliver to?

Portugal CTT provides particularly extensive geographic coverage, both on national territory and at the international level. As the universal postal operator of Portugal, CTT serves all municipalities in the country, from the large urban agglomerations of Lisbon, Porto, Braga, and Faro to the most isolated villages in the interior. This complete national coverage also extends to the autonomous island regions of the Azores and Madeira, guaranteeing a postal presence across the entire Portuguese territory, including Atlantic islands.

CTT's presence is not limited to continental and island Portugal. Through the acquisition of Tourline Express, which became CTT Express, the group has a direct presence in Spain, making the Iberian Peninsula its unified domestic market. This Iberian integration allows CTT to offer express deliveries in less than 24 hours between Portugal and Spain, treating the two countries as a single market without border distinction. The Iberian network has 22 logistics hubs, 257 depots, and over 20,000 service points spread across both countries.

• Continental Portugal: Complete coverage of all municipalities, from major cities to rural areas, with distribution six days a week
• Autonomous regions: The Azores and Madeira are served with services adapted to island constraints
• Spain: Direct presence via the CTT Express subsidiary, with an integrated network covering the entire Spanish territory
• Europe: Delivery to all European Union and European Economic Area countries through postal agreements and partnerships
• International: Over 150 countries and territories served worldwide through Universal Postal Union networks

Internationally, Portugal CTT relies on its membership in the Universal Postal Union to guarantee shipment distribution beyond European borders. The carrier maintains reciprocal agreements with the national postal operators of each destination country. Thus, a parcel sent from Lisbon to the United States will be handled by USPS for final delivery, while a shipment to Japan will transit through Japan Post. This multilateral organization allows CTT to offer deliveries to virtually any country in the world, from the closest destinations like Morocco or Brazil to the most remote territories.

CTT has concluded a major strategic partnership with DHL eCommerce to strengthen its position in the Iberian market. This alliance aims to create the most comprehensive collection and delivery network in Portugal and Spain, considered the fourth largest e-commerce market in Europe. Under this agreement, DHL eCommerce focuses on B2B operations in Spain while CTT Express handles B2C services, thus optimizing the efficiency of parcel processing and last-mile delivery across the entire Iberian Peninsula.

What are the Portugal CTT delivery services and timeframes?

Portugal CTT offers a complete range of shipping services adapted to all needs, from economical mail to the fastest express solutions. The Portuguese postal operator has developed over the years a diversified offering allowing both individuals and professionals to choose the service level corresponding to their requirements in terms of speed, security, and budget. Delivery timeframes vary considerably depending on the selected service and destination, ranging from same-day delivery for certain national express shipments to several weeks for the most distant international destinations.

For shipments within continental Portugal, CTT guarantees particularly short timeframes. Correio Azul service, the benchmark priority mail, ensures delivery in one business day on the continental territory and in two business days to the autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira. Correio Verde service, based on format-based pricing rather than weight, offers the same timeframes with the advantage of not requiring stamp postage. For less urgent shipments, standard Correio Normal offers distribution in three business days at a more economical rate.

• Correio Normal (Standard mail): Delivery in 3 business days in continental Portugal, the most economical option for non-urgent shipments
• Correio Azul (Priority mail): Express delivery in 1 business day in continental Portugal, 2 business days to the Atlantic islands
• Correio Verde (Green mail): Format-based pricing rather than weight, delivery in 1 business day continental and 2 days to the islands
• Correio Registado (Registered mail): Delivery in 1 business day with full tracking, proof of deposit and signature on receipt
• CTT Express: Premium service with guaranteed delivery within 24 hours across the Iberian Peninsula
• EMS Service: Express Mail Service for urgent international shipments, 1 to 3 business days depending on destination

CTT's express services are the ideal solution for urgent shipments. CTT Express, the branch dedicated to fast deliveries, offers guaranteed 24-hour timeframes for shipments across the Iberian Peninsula and one to five business days for international destinations. For professional clients under contract, CTT can even ensure delivery of shipments up to 700 kilograms between Portugal and Spain with door-to-door distribution in 1 to 2 business days. The EMS (Express Mail Service) meets the needs of accelerated international delivery with timeframes generally between 1 and 3 business days depending on the destination country.

Regarding non-express international shipments, timeframes vary significantly depending on the destination and chosen service. For Europe, international priority mail reaches its destination in approximately 3 business days, while international standard mail requires up to 5 business days. For the rest of the world, timeframes extend from 5 to 7 business days in priority service, and can reach several weeks for economical service shipments to the most distant destinations. These indicative timeframes can be affected by external factors such as customs procedures, weather conditions, or logistical disruptions in transit or destination countries.

What are the Portugal CTT rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

Portugal CTT shipping rates are established according to a complex scale taking into account several determining criteria. The price of a shipment varies mainly depending on the weight and dimensions of the parcel, the domestic or international destination, the type of selected service, and any additional options subscribed. CTT distinguishes two main rate categories: base prices applicable to individuals and small shippers, and quantity prices reserved for professional clients who have formalized a contract and reached a minimum billing volume the previous year.

For shipments within Portugal, rates remain particularly competitive compared to European standards. Standard mail allows sending letters and small items at accessible prices, while express services such as Correio Azul involve an additional charge justified by delivery speed. Correio Verde service has the advantage of simplified pricing based solely on shipment format rather than weight, making postage calculation easier for occasional users. Larger parcels are charged according to progressive scales taking into account weight brackets.

• National standard mail: Economical rates for letters and non-urgent small shipments, calculated by weight brackets
• Correio Azul priority mail: Surcharge for express delivery in D+1, suited to urgent documents
• Registered shipments: Additional fees for tracking, proof of delivery, and recipient signature
• National parcels: Progressive pricing based on weight, with insurance and cash on delivery options
• International shipments: Variable rates depending on destination zone, weight, and service level
• Additional options: Ad valorem insurance, SMS alert, cash on delivery with additional charges

Regarding weight and dimension limits, CTT applies differentiated restrictions depending on services. Standard registered mail accepts shipments up to 24 centimeters in width and 3.5 centimeters in thickness. For parcels, maximum weight varies significantly: some options are limited to 10 kilograms, while shipment via CTT contact points allows sending parcels up to 30 kilograms. Professional clients under contract benefit from extended conditions, with the possibility of sending shipments up to 700 kilograms to Spain and Portugal via dedicated cargo services.

International shipments are subject to additional constraints that vary depending on the destination country and local postal regulations. Some destinations impose weight limits lower than national standards, and restrictions may apply to certain types of goods. It is recommended to consult CTT's official rate scale, regularly updated and available on ctt.pt, to learn the exact rates and shipping conditions applicable to each type of shipment. Prices may also vary according to seasonal promotions and commercial agreements negotiated by professional shippers.

What are the Portugal CTT delivery options?

Portugal CTT has significantly enriched its delivery options in recent years to meet the growing expectations of consumers accustomed to the flexibility offered by online commerce. Beyond traditional home delivery, the Portuguese operator now offers a range of alternative solutions allowing recipients to collect their parcels according to their personal constraints. This diversification of reception methods is a major strategic focus for CTT in conquering the e-commerce market.

Home delivery remains the preferred distribution method for the majority of CTT shipments. Postal workers and delivery personnel ensure distribution six days a week, Monday through Saturday, across all Portuguese territory. If the recipient is absent when the delivery person passes, a delivery notice is left allowing either rescheduling delivery or collecting the parcel at the nearest post office or pickup point. For parcels requiring a signature, the recipient has a retention period before return to the sender.

• Home delivery: Standard distribution to the specified address, Monday through Saturday, with signature option
• Post office pickup: Parcel collection at one of the numerous CTT offices distributed throughout the territory
• Locky automated lockers: Network of over 1,000 self-service lockers accessible 24/7
• Partner pickup points: Collection at local retail outlets affiliated with the CTT network
• Delivery rescheduling: Ability to modify delivery date or address after failed attempt
• SMS and email notification: Automatic alerts on delivery progress and parcel arrival

The major innovation by CTT in delivery options lies in the deployment of the Locky network, a set of automated lockers allowing recipients to collect their parcels at any time, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. This network, the result of an 8 million euro investment, now has over 1,000 lockers distributed throughout Portugal, mainly in shopping centers, transport hubs, and high-traffic areas. Locky's originality lies in its openness to all delivery operators, not just CTT shipments, making it shared infrastructure serving the entire Portuguese e-commerce sector.

Using Locky lockers is particularly simple. When ordering online, the customer can select a Locky locker as the delivery address. Once the parcel is deposited, they receive an SMS notification or message via the CTT app containing an access code or QR code. They then have 5 business days to collect their parcel by visiting the locker and entering the provided code. CTT also offers a permanent virtual Locky address: customers can be assigned a fixed address in Lisbon, and their parcels are then forwarded to their chosen Locky locker the next day. This option is particularly convenient for purchases from foreign sites that do not offer direct locker delivery. However, it should be noted that Locky lockers are not available for parcels from outside the European Union, as these shipments must necessarily go through a post office for possible customs procedures.

What should I do if my Portugal CTT parcel is lost or damaged?

Despite the control and handling procedures implemented by Portugal CTT, it can happen that a parcel is lost during shipment or arrives damaged at the destination. In these unfortunate situations, CTT has a claims process allowing senders and recipients to report incidents and obtain compensation if applicable. It is essential to act quickly and respect the time limits to maximize the chances of a successful claim.

The first step in case of a problem is to check the status of the shipment through CTT's online tracking system. A parcel showing as delivered when not received, or an abnormally long delay without tracking update, are warning signs justifying contact with customer service. In case of a damaged parcel, it is crucial to note the damage upon receipt, if possible in the presence of the delivery person, and document the damage by photograph before any opening or handling of the contents.

• Tracking verification: Check tracking history to identify the step where the problem occurred
• Documentation of damage: Photograph the damaged packaging and contents before any handling
• Customer service contact: Reach CTT by phone at 21 047 16 16 or via the online form on ctt.pt
• Filing official claim: Complete the claim form available on the CTT website or at a post office
• Preservation of evidence: Keep the original packaging, tracking number, and any shipping receipt or value documentation
• Respect for timeframes: File the claim as soon as possible, generally within 15 days following delivery

Filing an official claim is done either online through the dedicated section of the CTT website (ctt.pt/ajuda/particulares/apoio-ao-cliente/contactos/reclamacoes), or directly at a CTT post office. The claim must be accompanied by necessary documentation: tracking number, proof of deposit or shipping receipt, precise description of the problem, and possibly photos of damage or value estimate of the contents. CTT commits to processing claims within a reasonable timeframe and providing a detailed response to the claimant.

Regarding compensation, CTT applies a capped reimbursement policy for standard lost or damaged shipments. The compensation amount generally corresponds to a multiple of the postage rate, reaching up to 15 times the price of the first weight bracket. For valuable shipments, it is strongly recommended to subscribe to additional insurance at the time of shipment. CTT offers ad valorem insurance allowing increased coverage limits up to 12,500 euros, protecting the sender against total loss, partial loss, and material damage. This additional guarantee is essential for valuable items, electronic equipment, or merchandise whose replacement or repair would exceed standard compensation.

Does Portugal CTT handle international shipments and customs procedures?

Portugal CTT ensures the dispatch of mail and parcels to over 150 countries and territories worldwide, making the Portuguese operator a gateway to international commerce for individuals and businesses in Portugal. This international dimension is based on CTT's membership in the Universal Postal Union and numerous bilateral agreements concluded with foreign postal operators. International shipments, however, involve specific procedures, particularly regarding customs, that shippers must master to ensure proper routing of their parcels.

Customs procedures are an unavoidable aspect of international shipments, particularly for destinations outside the European Union. Within the European space, free movement of goods significantly simplifies shipments: no customs declaration is required for shipments between Portugal and other EU member countries. However, parcels destined for third countries such as the United Kingdom since Brexit, the United States, Brazil, or China must be accompanied by appropriate customs documents.

• Intra-EU shipments: No customs procedures, free movement of goods between European Union member countries
• Non-EU shipments: Customs declaration required (CN22 or CN23) to be completed by the sender
• Commercial invoice: Required for shipments of a commercial nature, detailing the nature and value of goods
• Rights and taxes: At the expense of the recipient according to the regulations of the importing country
• Export restrictions: Certain products are prohibited or subject to authorization depending on destination countries
• Customs clearance timeframes: Variable depending on countries, potentially adding several days to delivery timeframe

For shipments outside the European Union, the sender must complete a customs declaration describing the parcel contents, its value, and its origin. Form CN22 is used for small low-value shipments, while the more detailed CN23 form applies to parcels of higher value or containing several different items. These documents are available at CTT post offices and can also be generated online when postaging a shipment. An incorrect or incomplete declaration can result in significant delays, or even parcel hold-up in customs.

Customs duties and import taxes are generally at the recipient's expense, in accordance with the regulations of the destination country. CTT does not directly collect these fees for standard postal shipments. The recipient is notified by local customs authorities of the amount of duties to be paid before parcel release. For certain express or commercial shipments, options for advance customs clearance or fee assumption by the sender may be offered. It is advisable for shippers to inquire about the customs regulations of the destination country before shipment, as certain products are prohibited from import or subject to special procedures according to national legislation. CTT's tracking system displays specific statuses during customs processing, allowing the recipient to follow the progress of customs procedures and anticipate any required actions on their part.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track a Portugal CTT parcel online, different statuses may appear to indicate the progress of your shipment through the logistics network. CTT's tracking system uses a tracking number in standardized format, typically consisting of 13 characters beginning with two letters (RR for registered, CP for priority parcel), followed by nine digits and ending with PT for Portugal. This format complies with Universal Postal Union standards and allows interoperable tracking when the parcel transits through other postal operators internationally. Here are the main statuses and their meanings: